nanajo

I think it should definitely be your decision. I'm friendly, but not real close to anyone in my office, mostly because I am so very busy. I had decided to keep my LB a secret, But today I thought about it and thought "what do I have to be ashamed of?" I am sure there are those who have already judged me for weighing 264 at 5'2", not that they knew the actual numbers. So if I am taking this very brave step, I decided I'm not hiding it like a dirty little secret. I am doing it for me.I told the other case manager today and I educated her on the various phases of recovery etc. And for those whom I choose to tell, I will educate them too. When I told my case manager, she said that she realized it was a huge step and she applauded courage and determination. Of course it remains a very individual thing, not only based on your work environment , but on how you feel about disclosure. It is definitely your right to choose.

I am awaiting approval too with Tricare South.. Individual doctors are "Center of Excellence " surgeons. I have no idea what it means, but only five of the surgeons at Southwest Bariatrics in Austin are "Center of Excellennce". They have about 10 surgeons.

I am new and have seen the term PB several times, and was wondering what that is. Thaks.

I have an insulin pump, which has given me excellent control, but I take a hefty dose of insulin. I heard tonight that my endo will have to help with the pump and I will have to work very closely with her, which makes sense. I am just wondering how that is from anyone who has done it.

Hi Gretchen, I have not had the surgery yet. I am hoping for my first appointment in February. I spoke to the surgeon last nigth at a WLS seminar and he said I should talk with my endocrinologist befoer I went on the pre op diet and plan how we will manage the change. It will be a big one because I am very insulin resistant and use a lot of insulin. I am seeing her on the 20th. Maybe we can compare notes as we go along.

My address is nanajo46@gmail.com. Thanks.

I called the bariatirc surgeon's office today,and she said that they had heard that the lap band was going to be covered, but had not received anything on it yet. So I can't even get a screening appointment until they get something from Tricare. However, she did ask me to send her anything official that I foun. I tried the link that was on the new release, and it did not work for me. I googled a lot, and I am good at googling but came up with nothing official looking. I entered all of the information about the manual, section number etc. Does anyone have a direct link to something from Tricare, or information abut how to access the page I need from the address given in the news release? Thanks, Mary Jo

I joined back in September, but then found that lap banding was not an option for me due to insurance coverage. The only thing they woudl cover was bypass and I was terrified to do it. Now I just heard that Tricare is now paying for lap banding . I am so excited and I calling my primary doc for a referral tomorrow. So I will be here listening and learning from all of you. I am so glad you guys are here. Mary Jo

I am just taking the first steps toward getting the lap band now that Tricare is paying for them. I am in a situation where I can't be off from work for too long and I am wondering what anyone's experience is with getting back to workpost operatively.

Hi. I found your forum through Google, and I am just now even thinking about lap banding. It just came to me a few days ago after watching a news program about a woman who had to buy two seats to fly on Southwest. And she was no larger than I am. Somehow that made me feel just fed up and I just started researching lap banding. I know it is not magic. I have read enough of your posts to know that it is not an easy fix. It is scary to think about making the changes you have made, and wondering if I can even do it. Food has a powerful place in my life right now. I am spending a lot of time thinking though, especially about how I can fill spaces in my life without food. Oh, I am not meaning to sound depressed. I am just giving voice to some of my fears. I am not afraid of the surgery or the pain. I can handle the liquid diet. I just need to think about replacing eating when I am sad, happy, angry, bored etc.